Re: Durbin asks Obama to appoint carp czar

That's what several newspapers reported: "catchy" headline--yep.

[CHICAGO, IL] – Following the discovery of a Bighead Asian Carp on the wrong side of the electric barrier six miles from Lake Michigan, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) wrote to President Obama today asking him to immediately appoint a federal Coordinated Response Commander for Asian carp. By appointing a Coordinated Response Commander, the President would signal that the effort to prevent the Asian carp from establishing itself in Lake Michigan is a national priority and would put in place a single individual to coordinate the day-to-day efforts of the multiple federal, state and local agencies involved. The letter was sent to the White House earlier today and was signed by ten Senators whose states border the Great Lakes.

Dear Mr. President:

We write to request your immediate assistance in strengthening the coordinated effort of federal, state and local agencies working to protect the Great Lakes from the spread of the invasive Asian carp. Several agencies have put considerable resources into preventing the Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes, and we appreciate that some progress has been made. But with the discovery this week of an adult Asian carp six miles from Lake Michigan, we write to you with a renewed sense of urgency, asking you to name a federal Coordinated Response Commander for Asian carp who can effectively marshal and organize these efforts to contain the spread of the carp.

What effects might Asian carp have on the Great Lakes?
Asian Carp are a significant threat to the Great Lakes because they are large, extremely prolific, and consume vast amounts of food. They can weigh up to 100 pounds, and can grow to a length of more than four feet. They are well-suited to the climate of the Great Lakes region, which is similar to their native Asian habitats.
Researchers expect that Asian carp would disrupt the food chain that supports the native fish of the Great Lakes. Due to their large size, ravenous appetites, and rapid rate of reproduction, these fish could pose a significant risk to the Great Lakes Ecosystem.

The Great Lakes Alliance said Friday that Congress must take a more aggressive role in stopping the voracious Asian carp from getting into Lake Michigan.
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Scientists fear the carp could destroy the Great Lakes' $7-billion-a-year fishing industry.

Re: Durbin asks Obama to appoint carp czar

One aspect of one possible solution to this problem revolves around developing a commercial demand for these fish. They are edible, they're a delicacy in China the problem is who wants to eat an "Asian Carp"? Well no one wanted to eat Patagonian toothfish either till someone discovered that if you called it Chilean Sea Bass, it tasted a lot better. Perhaps our new "Silver Head" Czar will spearhead an initiative to get these things on our menu.

Re: Durbin asks Obama to appoint carp czar

All I want to know, is how do I get some ridiculous Federal government job like this? Want to bet the pay is well into six figures with health care, retirement and all the other benies and perks? Our hard earned tax dollars at work. Cripes.

Re: Durbin asks Obama to appoint carp czar

Originally Posted by GlimDropper

One aspect of one possible solution to this problem revolves around developing a commercial demand for these fish. They are edible, they're a delicacy in China the problem is who wants to eat an "Asian Carp"? Well no one wanted to eat Patagonian toothfish either till someone discovered that if you called it Chilean Sea Bass, it tasted a lot better. Perhaps our new "Silver Head" Czar will spearhead an initiative to get these things on our menu.

Re: Durbin asks Obama to appoint carp czar

I hate that they refer to these people as "czars". They are nothing more than assistants. I wonder if, when I was working as an administrative assistant, they would have been OK with me changing my title to "administrative czar"? lol It's ridiculous.

To me it appears that Durbin is asking for federal involvement on the issue and seeing that it can have a very serious impact on the eco-system of the Great Lakes I don't see why not.

Re: Durbin asks Obama to appoint carp czar

Originally Posted by A Life Aloft

All I want to know, is how do I get some ridiculous Federal government job like this? Want to bet the pay is well into six figures with health care, retirement and all the other benies and perks? Our hard earned tax dollars at work. Cripes.

Lets hope this does not happen. What about the department of fish, game and wildlife? These people want to micro-manage everything. As you say.....

Re: Durbin asks Obama to appoint carp czar

Yea, but then the goat population spirals out of control and what do you use to keep them in check? I'll tell you, all but the biggest of any three goats can be countered by common trolls. Living under bridges trolls displace domestic winos and frequently have better manners than most turnpike toll takers so it's a win-win all around. The only problem is the higher the local troll population becomes the more likely you are to attract a ******** (wait, his name isn't censored here).

So your prophets of finance have fallen on their collective proverbial face, and you hear muffled voices calling: Welcome to the human race.
You made a killing dealing real estate at NASA selling cemetery plots in outer space til some falling coffins crashed upon your doorstep: Welcome to the human race.

Re: Durbin asks Obama to appoint carp czar

The only problem is the higher the local troll population becomes the more likely you are to attract a ******** (wait, his name isn't censored here).

And we wouldn't want that. Even though his name isn't censored, we can chose to not mention his name. I like the Clem Lemons nickname, it seems appropriate, what with the lemons and the magic stick and the guys over at JREF and all.